Species diversity of ants in public parks, Bangkok

Abstract

Species diversity of ants in public parks of Bangkok was studied in three public parks; Suan Luang Rama IX (SUA), Queen Sirikit Park (SIR), and Lumpini Park (LUM). The relationship between ant species diversity and environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall was also examined. The surveys and collections of ants were conducted in the three habitat types using three methods; grass field - pitfall trapping, building site - honey baiting, and standing-tree area - Time Unit Method. The samplings were repeated 6 times covering one year during March 2003 to February 2004. There were 6 subfamilies of ants composed of 23 genera and 43 species; 33 species in SUA, 31 species in SIR, and 31 species in LUM. A total of 24, 9, 4, 3, 2, and 1 species was found in the subfamilies Myrmicinae, Formicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, Pseudomyrmecinae, and Cerapachyinae, respectively. Many species found were reported as tramp species and invasive species. Species richness and abundance of common ant species in SUA and LUM were not significantly correlated with temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall (P>0.05), whereas species richness of ants collected by Time Unit Method in SIR were negatively correlated with rainfall (P<0.05).